Skip to main content
book cover for Secrets at the Irish Adoption House

Secrets at the Irish Adoption House

Absolutely gripping and heart-wrenching Irish historical fiction

You must sign in to see if this title is available for request. Sign In or Register Now

Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Nov 03 2025 | Archive Date Nov 03 2025

Talking about this book? Use #SecretsattheIrishAdoptionHouse #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

Ireland, 1920. Tears fill my eyes as I hear the whispers of the other girls in the dark of the night. But I won’t let them see me cry. I won’t let my secrets out. The family I’m hiding from could find me, and take my baby away…

To the other girls at St Patrick’s Mother and Baby Home, Cecelia is just another fallen woman. But they don’t know her father is a penniless lord with an English title… And Cecelia is determined that they never will. She came here alone, in secret: if her family knew she was pregnant, the life of her baby could be on the line.

Despite herself, the kind act of stolen bread being pressed into her hands when she’s in most need sees her confiding in the other women. Then the worst happens: Cecelia’s family find her and take her precious newborn. Was she betrayed by another girl in the home?

She’s determined to find her child… but with all her family’s connections, she can’t do it by herself. She hears whispers of a network of women working to unite mothers and babies. But with the baby’s father dangerously caught up in the unrest brewing across Ireland, will Cecelia or her darling daughter ever see him again?

This tear-jerking and unforgettable historical novel, full of family secrets, betrayal and friendship in the darkest times, is perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Sandy Taylor.

What readers are saying about Michelle Vernal:



LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOOVVVEEE, LOVED IT!!!Absolutely stunning!!!… I was completely swept away!!… DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!!!! PerfectAbsolutely gorgeousWill keep you up late at night.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Heart-warming and utterly addictiveDefinitely ticked all the boxes for me!… Right from the very beginning I found myself turning the pages very quicklyWonderful… Magical.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Couldn't put this down! LOVED it from start to finish… Loved this! Read it in two sittings – I just had to finish it… Kept me hooked.’ Amazon reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Outstanding! I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down… Had me on the edge of my seat.’ Amazon reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I am seriously in love with the whole story!AmazingWho could not fall in love Fantastic… I highly recommend!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A page-turnerStunningI adored it beyond words… Beautiful, warm, romantic… So full of heart you can almost hear it pulsing on every page.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Heartfelt and charming… From the very beginning, I was swept awayImpossible to put this book down. I even shed a tear or two. This is a MUST.’ Goodreads reviewer

By far one of my favourite booksI loved every minute… Just adored this story!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ireland, 1920. Tears fill my eyes as I hear the whispers of the other girls in the dark of the night. But I won’t let them see me cry. I won’t let my secrets out. The family I’m hiding from could...


A Note From the Publisher

** THIS IS AN UNCORRECTED ADVANCED READERS COPY **

** THIS IS AN UNCORRECTED ADVANCED READERS COPY **


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9781805500100
PRICE £1.99 (GBP)
PAGES 280

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Reader (EPUB)
NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)
Send to Kobo (EPUB)
Download (EPUB)